Underdogs prevail at the Elmer Davis Memorial.

A near full field signed into race at the Thunder Valley Raceway in Salem Indiana this past Saturday. The late season Indiana dry spell took a toll on track workers as well as drivers, leaving the conditions daunting most of the night.

Two heats of cars took to the track with Justin Lewis winning the first heat driving the familiar #2m OSR Performance Engines, Double L Transport, Columbus Collision, Hoosier Speed hot rod of Colin Miller, and the 11x of Cory Clay winning the 2nd heat. This would be the first race of the year for the Clay Excavating #11x. Another new face in a familiar car would be Anthony Lawrence in the Hoosier Speed #86. Anthony would have his work cut out for him in a new class of competition. The track proved challenging for even the veteran drivers as they were challenged greatly to get a hold of the smooth but black slick track surface. Leaving many drivers scratching their heads to make the right adjustments before the A-main.

Brandon Smith would lead the field to green inside the #87 of Travis Stickles. This would be Stickles' second appearance of the year with the MMSA but with his TQ midget experience there was no lack of speed on the front row. In row two the #18c of Chambers and the #11a of Alex Shipman. Row three was compromised of the highest of the passing point finishers including Cory Clay and Justin Lewis. The bonus box would hold, Tim Light (#14) and Meadows side by side in row 4, and the #1x of Bradley and #5 of Vermilion in row 5. These bonus box drivers were eligible to win $425 on top of their winnings if they could find victory lane at the end of the night. Trammel and Justin Coombs would occupy row 6. Earlier in the night Coombs was one of the victims of the spin cycle. Leading most of his heat race before swapping ends on the slick. MMSA points, as well as USAC National points leader Rod Henning found himself deep in the field on the inside of row 7 along side of MMSA rookie Anthony Lawrence who also struggled in his heat. Blake Vermilion would start inside row 8, with veteran wheel man Kevin Blue rounding out the field.

On the green Smith would launch into the lead taking advantage over the #87 of Stickles. Chambers would nail down third protecting the bottom from the #11a of Shipman. Shipman on lap four would get in too hot on the bottom and spin nearly collecting Light and Lewis. The yellow would fly bringing the field to caution. Smith would again dart to a two car lead over Stickles, with Chambers in tow. The top three would remain unchallenged. Kevin Blue would bring out a late caution spinning in turn 2. Smith would lose his 5 car advantage to yet another restart. The last restart would leave it all on the line for Smith green, white, checkers...and victory for Smith holding off Stickles and Chambers to win his first career MMSA win.. Stickles'
2nd place would best his career finish with MMSA, as well as Cindy Chambers capturing her first podium spot with 3rd. Smith who's dedication to our group is 2nd to none, was all smiles in his first victory lane celebration standing along side his father. Speaking on behalf of all the staff of MMSA we couldn't be prouder of this first time winner.


MMSA returns to USAC competition this Saturday for the Don Dorsett Memorial at Paragon Speedway.